1966 | FIAT Ghia 500 Jolly

**Highlights: **

• Freshly restored
• Homologation for B1 Open
• Rare Jolly variation

**Brand & model history: **

The Fiat 500 Giardiniera Jolly, was produced from 1961 and retained the mechanics of the classic air-cooled two-cylinder engine of the Fiat 500 unchanged. Although this longer model could not accommodate additional passengers, the flat ‘compartment’ behind the rear seat proved to be extremely practical. It offered space for diving equipment, fishing rods, swimming accessories and shopping bags for a picnic.

The 500 Giardiniera Jolly was developed without unnecessary chrome parts. It also retained the standard bumpers, which better matched the angular lines of the car. The characteristic wicker seats, protective pipes and striking pastel colours were also continued on this model. Ocean blue, aquamarine, coral red, white, sun yellow and other custom colours were available.

In most cases, the colour of the body was repeated on the dashboard, steering wheel, switches and the coloured panels of the fabric roof. At the time, the fabric roof was offered as an optional extra for 15,000 lire.

It is likely that only a few Giardiniera Jolly vehicles were built, which were put on the market as prototypes (i.e. without a general operating licence, but with individual registration).

**Condition: **

The basis for this ‘Jolly’ was a Fiat 500 Giardiniera that was recently restored from the ground up and converted to a Jolly by a coachbuilder. The basket seats were also professionally fitted by a basket weaver. Imperfect body parts and peripheral parts were replaced with original parts as part of the restoration. The mechanics were completely overhauled. The car has only travelled 8110 km since the restoration.

According to the seller, the car is in very good condition.

**Market categorisation: **

Fiat Jollies were less of an everyday means of transport and more of a lifestyle object. They were favoured by celebrities, actors and members of the upper 10000, who used them for trips along the coast, to the yacht or for excursions to their holiday homes. The Jolly variant has always stood for style and exclusivity.

Today, the Fiat Jolly enjoys cult status. It is extremely popular with collectors and its value on the classic car market is constantly increasing. Original vehicles are almost impossible to find and the history often cannot be proven. Prices of well over €100,000 are often paid for supposedly original vehicles. Unfortunately, Ghia did not keep any records of its production at the time, so there is no exact information on the number of units produced.

**Summary **

This 1966 Fiat 500 Giardiniera Jolly Recreation was rebuilt in Italy and has Italian papers. It is in very good condition and can be driven to the nearest harbour immediately. The restoration work was carried out with great attention to detail.

Translation suggestion. Original language German